Key facts
- Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, is central to the Seattle Storm's rebuild.
- The Storm have a 3-10 record after losing six consecutive games.
- Malonga recently returned from a concussion that sidelined her.
- The team lost veteran stars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins in free agency.
- Malonga is pursuing a computer science degree while playing professionally.
Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, is being positioned as the cornerstone of the Seattle Storm's rebuild. Despite the team's current struggles with a 3-10 record and a six-game losing streak, Malonga is seen as the key player to help the franchise regain its footing.
The Storm are navigating a youth movement after losing veteran stars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins to free agency. Malonga, who made the 2025 WNBA All-Rookie Team, is embracing her expanded role under new coach Sonia Raman's positionless offensive scheme, aiming to be a creator for her teammates.
Malonga's journey to Seattle was unconventional. Originally from Cameroon, she moved to Nanterre, France, where she developed her game and drew comparisons to Victor Wembanyama due to their shared region and similar physical attributes. Off the court, she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science at Southern New Hampshire University.
Her second season has been briefly hampered by a concussion suffered on May 13, but she recently returned to the court. Coach Raman expressed confidence in Malonga's continued development, highlighting her perimeter skills and potential.